Garage for multi-level parking of cars

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certain dimensions, such as, for example, containerss or open platforms loaded with goods, the storage being done in multi-level sections following each other in a line or in several parallel lines, with the take-in of the platforms at one end of each line (the entrance point) and take-out of the goods either at the opposite end of each line (the exit point), or at both the entrance and the exit points, simultaneously.

The invention pertains to the area of warehousing of goods with certaindimensions, such as, for example, containers or open platforms loadedwith goods, the storage being done in multi-level sections followingeach other in a line or in several parallel lines, with the take-in ofthe platforms at one end of each line (the entrance point) and thetake-out of the goods either at the opposite end of each line (the exitpoint), or at both the entrance and the exit points, simultaneously.

The major advantages of the invention are listed below:

-   -   A A much better utilization of storage space, due to multi-level        storage of goods, i.e., a more efficient utilization of a        building height or of a ground storage space, due to multi-level        structures arrangement into parallel lines, which would not        require lift-trucks between these lines for loading and        unloading of the goods.    -   B Take-in and take-out of goods loaded on platforms both at the        entrance point and at some other point along the line, allows        full mechanization and automatic performance of the take-in and        the take-out processes.        -   Further on we are going to illustrate practical            implementation of the invention, by describing a method of            relocating platforms from one level to another vertically            within a section, up and down, by way of gripping the            platforms with special lug supports pin-hinged to pillars            opposing each other in pairs, with at least one of the pairs            being able to move up and down according to a preset            sequence. (See FIG. 1 cx.aand 1 cxb). FIG. 1 cxa presents a            schedule of vertical upward relocation of platforms within a            section:            -   Step 0. The initial position: Platform 5 is installed on                Lug Supports 4 of Stationary Pillars 3 at the lowest                (first) level of the Section Lifter 1 Lug Supports 2 are                pin-hinged to Pillar 1, at h distance below the upper                surface of Lug Supports 4 of their stationary pillars.            -   Step 1. Pillar 1 is to be moved upward, Lug Supports 2                lift Platforms 5 off Lug Supports 4 of the stationary                pillars, to h height, which is enough to turn Lug                Supports 4 into the non-operational (vertical) position.            -   Step 2. Lug Supports 4 of the stationary pillars are                turned into a non-operational (vertical) position.            -   Step 3. Lifting pillars 1 use their Lug Supports 2 to                raise Platforms 5 into the upper position.            -   Step 4. Lug Supports 4 of Stationary Pillars 3 are moved                back into their operational (horizontal) position.            -   Step 5. Lifting Pillar 1 is lowered into the initial                lower position, while Platforms 5 are being installed                one level up on Lug Supports 4 of the stationary                pillars, with the help of Lug Supports 2 of the Lifter.                (FIG. 4 presents it as lifting from Level 1 (the lower                one) to Level 2, etc.)

FIG. 1 cxb represents the steps and the inter-working of units whileplatforms are being relocated to the next lower level within theSection.

-   -   Step 0. The initial position: Platform 5 is installed at Level 2        of Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4, and Lug Supports 2 of        the lifting pillars are pin-hinged below Lug Supports 3 of the        stationary pillars at height h, which is enough to turn Lug        Supports 2 into a non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 1. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are turned into the        non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 2. Lifting Pillar 1 is raised to h height above Lug        Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4.    -   Step 3. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are returned into        the initial (horizontal) position.    -   Step 4. Lifting Pillars 1 are raised into the upper position,        where Lug Supports 2 take the platforms off Lug Supports 3 of        Stationary Pillar 4 and raise them.    -   Step 5. Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4 are turned into a        non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 6. Lug Supports 2 of Lifting Pillars 1 are lowered to an h        distance which allows Lug Supports 3 to be returned into their        operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 7. Lug Supports 3 of the stationary pillars are returned        into their operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 8. Lifting Pillars 1 are lowered into the initial lower        position, with Platforms 5 being lowered from Lug Supports 2 of        the Lifter to Lug Supports 3 of Stationary Pillars 4, one level        lower than the preceding one.

This method is offered as the basis for a car storage structure makinguse of platforms.

At present, there are several types of structures for multi-level carstorage. Mainly, storage is done on platforms attached to sections, withplatforms being lifted and lowered with the help of hydraulic cylinderswhich assist in lowering a platform to Zero level, for car entrance,after which the platform loaded with the car is to be raised to a higherlevel. The next car is to be loaded in the same manner, the platform isto be raised to the level under the previous one, and so on, until a caris loaded at a platform at the Zero level. The major drawbacks of thisstructure are the necessity to use additional space for entrance andexit, and the necessity to free the lowest level platforms of the storedcars at the moment when cars stored above these levels are to be takenout.

The invention we offer, because of its ability to relocate individualplatforms up and down within each section, and their relocation from onesection into an adjacent section, allows any platform loaded with a carto be relocated to Zero level by way of relocating platforms from onesection into another along one line, leaving other stored cars intact,and excludes the storage drawbacks described above.

DESCRIPTION

A description of the invention—the storage method and a storagestructure implementing the method—is presented below.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, respectively, represent the longitudinal section, across-section and an overhead view of the device. They show GuideRollers 1, Ramp 2, Platform, 3, Framework 4, Platform Storage Section 5,Car Storage Section 6, Floor-level Transporter 7, and Top Carriage 8.

FIG. 4: A ramp consisting of Frame 4.2, Frame Rotation Cylinder 4.1 inPivot Joint 4.4. Rollers 4.3 are fixed on the frame.

FIG. 4.a represents a ramp with a platform loaded with a car installedon the ramp. The ramp is shown in the tilted position, for the carentrance onto, and exit from the platform, and in the horizontalposition where it can facilitate connecting Platform 5.1 with Finger 8.5of the transporter with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 of the platform.

FIG. 5: A platform consists of Base Frame 5.1 and Support Feet 5.2 whichguarantee the required clearance between platforms when they are stackedfor storage in the storage section. The front part of the base frame hasa netlike recess, Recess 5.4, necessary for holding either the leftfront wheel, or both front wheels of a car. In order to raise the wheelbefore the car is going to exit the platform, Cylinder 5.3 is used. Whena car enters the platform, its front left wheel is guided by Rollers 5.6of Movable Carriage 5.8, and the movable carriage is returned into itsinitial position with the help of Frame 5.5 contacting with the wheelwhile the car is exiting the platform. The platform is gripped withFinger 8.5 with the help of Ratchet Stops 5.9 fixed on Axis Pins 5.10.

FIG. 6 illustrates a platform storage section consisting of StationaryPillars 6.5. rigidly attached to Frame 4 of movable Frames 6.4 driven byCylinder, 6.2. Lug Supports 6.7 are gimbal-mounted to the lower levelstationary pillars, and are to be driven up and down with Actuator 6.6which could be a cylinder. Movable Frames 6.4 have Lug Supports 6.3which are rigidly attached to them below the level of Rollers 8.1 of theZero level transporter. Chains 6.8 serve for synchronizing the movementof movable frames. They form Sprockets 6.9., each pair of which isrigidly attached to Frame 4, with Shafts 6.11. Sprockets 6.10 arerigidly attached to Frame 4. As the lifting frames at the opposite endsare connected via Chains 6.8., when a lifting frame at one end ismoving, the lifting frame at the other side is moving simultaneouslywith the first one.

FIG. 7 illustrates a car storage section. This section is designedsimilarly to a platform storage section. The first one, though, differsfrom the second one in having a greater number of Lug Supports 7.15 ofStationary Pillars 7.8, as well as of Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Frames7.13. Their number corresponds to the number of levels within a section,and as they are vertically installed at a certain distance from eachother, these vertical steps form levels. Both the stationary pillar lugsupports and the lifting frame lug supports are attached on pin hinges.Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frames are attached at a certaindistance from the level at which Lug Supports 7.15 of stationary pillarsare attached, and the lower Lug Supports 7.4 are located below Rollers8.1, which form a lower, Zero level.

Cross-bar 7.6 connects Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8 to adrive mechanism, for example, Cylinder 7.7. Cross-bar 7.6 helps to turnLug Supports 7.15 into a non-operational (vertical) position and back.Lifting Frames 7.13 have Hydro-cylinder 7.16 for a driving mechanism.Simultaneous movement of the lifting frames at the opposite ends isprovided by connecting them to Chains 7.2 that go around Sprockets 7.9attached to the shaft, and Sprockets 7.10 at Frame 4. Lug Supports 7,4have a shaft, Shaft 7.18, with Driving Mechanism 7.17, to provide fortheir turning into a non-operational position and back.

FIG. 8 illustrates the design of the lower, (Zero) level transporterwhich serves for relocating car loaded and empty platforms betweensections at the lower level and onto the ramp, and has the followingunits: Rollers 8.1 attached to Base 8.2, Pulling Fingers 8.5 supportedby Bearings 8.3. The motion is performed with Roller Chain 8.4 (thedrive sprocket and the tension sprocket are not shown). Bearings 8.3 aresupported by Plates 8.7 and 8.6. FIG. 8 shows how Platform 5.1 and itsRatchet Dogs 5.9 are to be driven by Finger 8.5 of the transporter.

FIG. 9 illustrates the design of the top carriage which consists ofU-type Frame 9.2 with Rollers 9.1 attached to it and supported bydouble-T iron 9.6. Pillars 9.8 are attached to Frame 9.2 base, and haveLug Supports 9.5 in their bottom area, which are pin-hinged to thepillars. The lug supports are to be rotated with the two Shafts 9,9.They turn simultaneously with the lug supports of Stationary Pillars 7,6of the car storage section, which is to be provided by means of aspecial interlock (“dovetail” joint).

Motion of the top carriage is provided for by means of a roller chaintransporter not exhibited in FIG. 9. The top carriage is to be used forrelocation of platforms between sections at the upper level.

OPERATION

The offered car storage method and the storage structure can operate inthe following way:

A Cars Take-In For Storage

In order to accept a car for storage, it is necessary to take a platformfrom a platform storage section and to place it on a ramp, after which acar would enter the platform. While approaching the ramp, the car is tocome to a halt in front of the “Stop” sign. Next comes a command for theramp to be lifted into the horizontal position (FIG. 4). With thispurpose Cylinder 4.1 is to be switched on, and Frame 4.2 with itsRollers 4.3 turns on its Hinge 4.4 into its horizontal position. At thesame time a command is issued to switch on Hydraulic Cylinder 6.2 of thelifting drive in the car storage section.

See FIG. 6.

Movable Frames 6.4 are raised in their upper, final [position. At thesame time Lug Supports 6.3 of Lifting Frames 6.4 raise the platform fromLug Supports 6.7 of Stationary Pills 6.5 to a height allowing LugSupports s 6.7 of their stationary pillars enough space to move into anon-operational (vertical) position. Then comes the command to switch onCylinder 6.6 and to bring Lug Supports 6.7 into the non-operational(vertical) position. Then the next command comes, to move the liftingdevice down, to the level allowing clearance between the platformresting on the Lug Supports of the lifting device and the platformresting on its support feet. The clearance is necessary for Lug Supports6.7 to be returned into their initial (horizontal) position, which isachieved either with the help of the driving mechanism (the cylinder),or just happens because of the weight of the platform.

The lifting frame structure of each section consists of two Frames 6.4.They face each other at the opposite ends of the section. Each of theframes has its own driving mechanisms, Cylinders 6.2. To synchronizetheir movement, the frames on both sides are attached to Chains 6.8which go around Chain Sprockets 6.9 sitting on Shafts 6.11 joint foreach couple of the frames.

After Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars are returned into theirhorizontal position, there is a command to go on with moving the lifterdownwards, until it reaches its initial lower position. The platformsearlier raised by the lifter lug supports go down, but the platformpackage or one platform is lowered on Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationarypillars, and the lowest platform resting upon Lug Supports 6.3 of thelifter is lowered upon Transporter Rollers 8.1. (See FIGS. 6 and 6 a)

FIG. 6 a shows the steps and the interaction of Lug Supports 6.3 of thelifter and of Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars, which isnecessary in order to separate the lowest platform from the platformpackage installed at the lug supports of the stationary pillars.

-   -   Step 0. Initial position: Lug Supports 6.3 of the lifter are        rigidly attached to Frame 6.4 of the lifter, at “h” distance        below the surface where Transporter Rollers 8.1 operate.        Platform Package 5.1 or just one platform is sitting upon Lug        Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars.    -   Step 1. Lug Supports 6.3 of Lifter 6.4, as a result of Cylinder        6.2 being activated, raise the platform package or one Platform        5.1 at “h” height above Stationary Lug Supports 6.7, enough for        their turning into a non-operational position, for example, into        the vertical position.    -   Step 2. Lug Supports 6.7 are turned into a non-operational        position when Cylinder 6.6. is turned into its non-operational        position.    -   Step 3. Lug Supports 6.3, without the help of the lifter, raise        the platform package into the top end position.    -   Step 4. Lug Supports 6.7 of the stationary pillars are brought        back into their operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 5. A command is given to turn on Cylinder 6.2 for downward        movement of Lifter 6.4, with Lug Supports 6.3 placing the        platform package or one platform upon Lug Supports 6.7 of        stationary pillars. The lowest platform separated from the        package is placed upon Transporter Rollers 8.1. With the lifter        continuing moving downwards, Lug Supports 6.3 are lowered into        their initial position below Rollers 8.1.

After the frame of the lifter I moved into its lower initial position, acommand arrives to switch the transporter drag-out device in the rampdirection, see FIG. 4 a. Pulling Finger 8.5 of the transporter pullsPlatform Ratch 5.10, and the platform is relocated into a presetposition on the ramp. Then comes a command to tilt the ramp with theplatform into a preset position allowing for a car to mount theplatform. “Stop” signal is substituted by the signal allowing the car tomove. The driver approaches the ramp (FIG. 4) and the car front leftwheel enters a space between two Rollers 1 angularly related to eachother. Continuing to move, the wheel enters the angle between Rolls 5.6of Carriage 5.8 installed on the platform.

Carriage 5.8 helps to keep the wheel in the platform track, and whilethe car continues to move, the wheel gets into Recess 5.4 of theplatform.

After the car is installed upon the platform and is fixed in the“PARKING” position, there is a command to place the platform with thecar for storage. The ramp goes upward into the horizontal position, thetransportation driving device is switched on, and while its pullingfinger comes into contact with Ratchet 5.9 of the platform, it isrelocated to a free layer of the nearest storage section along its way.

Considering the fact that for the device to function normally at leasttwo sections are required, Section “n” and section “n+1”, FIG. 7illustrates the longitudinal and the cross-sectional overviews of thesetwo section structures. FIG. 7 illustrates post-operational steps inaccepting a platform, with a car or empty, for storage.

The transporter stops at the pre-appointed area of the section, afterwhich Lifting Frames 7.13 of the section use their Lug Supports 7.4 toraise the platform from the roller transporter, as well as all the otherplatforms resting on Lug Supports 7.15 of Stationary Pillars 7.8 to acertain height above these lug supports, enough for their mandatory turnover into a non-operational (vertical) position. After Lifter 7.13raises into its upper position, Lug Supports 7.15 of their stationarypillars are forced back into their operating (horizontal) position. Thisis done with Shafts 7.6 driven from Cylinder 7.7. Then the next commandsends the lifter down, and all the platforms resting upon Lug Supports7.4 of the lifter are installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationarypillars at their level, which is one level up. The platform raised fromthe transporter rollers is installed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the lowerlevel of the section.

This ends the cycle of car acceptance for storage.

(see FIG. 7 and FIG. 7 a)

FIG. 7 a demonstrates post-operational steps of platform acceptance forstorage, with or without a car:

-   -   Step 0. Platform 5.1 to be stored is installed upon Rollers 8.1        of the lower transporter.    -   Step 1. The transporter's Lug Supports 7.4 lift the platform off        the transporter rollers, and all the other platforms off Lug        Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars. All of them are risen        to “h” height which offers enough room for Lug Supports 7.15 of        the stationary pillars to be turned into a non-operational        (vertical) position.    -   Step 2. When Cylinder 7.7 is switched on, shafts 7.6 turn Lug        Supports 7.15 into the non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 3. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter and Platform 5.1 are        lifted into their upper position.    -   Step 4. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are brought        back into their operational (horizontal) position by switching        Cylinder 7.7 on.    -   Step 5. The lifter Lug Supports 7.4 are brought into their lower        initial position, with the platforms being installed upon Lug        Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars, but one level upward,        and the platform raised off Rollers 8.1 with the help of Lug        Supports 7.4 is placed upon Lug Supports 7.15 of the lower        level.    -   This brings the process of accepting the platform for storage to        an end.

A Take-Out of a Platform Loaded with a Car or Without it from the CarStorage Section.

A user who received the information about the storage code during thecar intake, feeds this information into the system of its automatedtake-out. The following operations are to follow, depending on the layerwhere the platform with the stored car is located.

As an illustration, several versions of sequential operations andinteraction of mechanism are offered below, which differ because ofdifferent layers where the car loaded platform is located.

1 The Car Loaded Platform is Located at the Lower Layer (See FIGS. 7 and7 b)

All Lug Supports 7.4 of the section lifter are driven into thenon-operational (vertical) position, after which the lifter startsmoving upward. After it passes higher than Stationary Lug Supports 7.15are, Lug Supports 7.4 go back into their operational (horizontal)position. If the lifter continues rising, the lifter Lug Supports raiseall the platforms resting upon stationary pillars Lug Supports to height“h” which is enough to turn Lug Supports 7.15 into the non-operational(vertical) position. The platform resting on the lower Lug Supportsrises above the lug supports of the stationary pillars of the firstlayer. Then a command comes to turn Lug Supports 7.15 into theirnon-operational (vertical) position. After the lug supports have beenturned, another command comes, to continue the movement of the lifterdownward. After the lifter lug supports are lowered to a certaindistance and brought below the level of Lug Supports 7.15 of thestationary pillars, they are returned into their operational(horizontal) position. After this one more command follows, to continuethe movement of the lifter downwards. This brings all the platforms fromthe lifter lug supports to the lug supports of the stationary pillars,but one level lower than before. The platform resting upon the lugsupports of the lifter Zero level lug supports is installed upon thetransporter rollers, moves in the direction of the take-out point and isinstalled upon the ramp.

In the same way the platforms located at the first level of any carstorage section are given out.

FIG. 7 b illustrates the operational steps required for a platformtake-out.

-   -   Step 0. The initial position: the platform is located at the        first level (marked with * sign). The platform located in the        second level is marked with ** sign.    -   In this position Supports 7.4 of the lifting Frame are in their        operational (horizontal) position, below Lug Supports 7.15 of        the stationary pillars and of the Roller 8.1 of the lower        transporter movement plane.    -   Step 1. Supports 7.4 are brought into the non-operational        (vertical) position.    -   Step 2. Lifting Frame 7.13 raises Lug Supports to a certain        height above the platforms installed upon Lug Supports 7.15.    -   Step 3. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting frame are brought back        into their operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 4. Lifting Frame 7.13 raises the platforms from Lug        Supports 7.15 with the help of Lug Supports 7.4, to a height        enough for turning these supports into a non-operational        position.    -   Step 5. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are turned        into the non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 6. Lifting Frame 7.13 uses its Lug Supports to lower        Platforms 5.1 below Lug Supports 7.15, to a distance allowing        enough space for returning Lug Supports 7,5 into their        operational horizontal) position.    -   Step 7. Lug Supports 7.15 of the stationary pillars are brought        back into the initial (horizontal) position.    -   Step 8. Lifting frame 7.13 and Lug Supports 7.4 are lowered into        the initial lower position. All the platforms are removed from        hese Lug Supports to Lug Supports 7.15, but one level below. The        lowest platform is taken off Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifting        frame and place them down, upon Rollers 8.1 of the lower        transporter. With the frame continuing its downward movement,        Lug Supports are lowered below the rolling plane of Rollers        8.1., into their initial position. Then the platform is        relocated in the direction of the take-out point and is        installed upon the ramp.

B. The Platform to be Relocated for the Car Take-Out is Not Located at aLower Level, but at Some Other Level, for Example, at the Second Level,While There is Another Platform at the First Level.

See FIG. 7 and FIG. 7 b (steps 0-8)

7 c* (n+1) (Steps 8-13)

*n* Steps 14-18

-   -   *n* Steps 19-23

First, Platform (*) is lowered from Level 1 to the transporter rollersby way of performing the step sequence indicated in FIG. 7 b. But as theplatform is to be kept in storage, it is to be transported to any othersection (n+1), where it is to be installed at the first level of thesection, but on the condition that the upper level is not occupied byanother platform. If the higher level is occupied, the occupyingplatform is to be relocated, with the top carriage, to the section fromwhich Platform (*) was taken.

Below you will find a description of the interaction of the units andparts during the take-out process, this time from the second level.

After the lifter is brought into the lower initial position, a commandis given to switch on the lower transporter in order to relocate aplatform from Section “n”. But if this platform, while being deliveredfor the take-in from this level, moves in the direction of the take-out,a platform required for the take-out from the second level**, afterPlatform * is installed upon the transporter, it is switched on to movenot in the direction of the ramp, but in the direction of the adjacentsection (n+1). At the same time, the transporter relocating the topcarriage is switched on, for moving the top carriage into the samesection.

As the design of the section is similar to that of the section fromwhich the platform was taken out, all the details are marked with (*)sign.

After the platform and the top carriage stop in this section, a commandarrives to raise Lifting Frame 7*.13 and Lug Supports 7.*4, then comes acommand for Cylinder 7*.16 of the lifting frame, to raise the platformto a “h” height above Lug Supports 7/*15 of the syationry pillars, thespace being enough to allow these lug supports to be turned into thenon-operational (vertical) position. Then there comes a command to Shaft7*.6 and Lug Supports 7.*15 of the section, and Lug Supports 9.5 of thetop carriage, which through Shaft 9.7 contacting with Shaft 7*6 areturned into the non-operational position.

The lifter continues to move upward until it arrives to its final topposition, When this happens, all the platforms are relocated in theupward direction, to a certain height above the stationary supports 7*15of the section and Supports 9.5 of the top carriage. Then the stationarysupports both of the section and of the top carriage are brought backinto the operational (horizontal) position. There is a command to movethe lifter down, and while it moves, all the platforms are installedupon the Lug Supports of the stationary pillars, but one level upcompared to their previous positioning, and the platform from the toplayer has now been installed upon the Lug Supports of the top carriage.

The lifter continues its downward movement until it reaches its lowerposition. When this happens, a command arrives to bring back the topcarriage and the platform installed upon its lug supports into Section“n”, from which the previous platform was taken out. Starting from thismoment, all the operations aimed at platform relocation described aboveare to be repeated. Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter are turned into thenon-operational (vertical) position and are raised to some height abovethe platforms installed at the Lug Supports of the stationary pillars.Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter are brought back into the operational(horizontal) position. Then lifting Cylinders 7.16 raise Lifter Supports7.13 and Lug Supports 7.4 into the final upper position. At the sametime Lug Supports 7.4 raise all the platforms from Lug Supports 7.15 andraise the platform from Lug Supports 9.5 of the top carriage. ThenShafts 7.6 of the section come into interaction with Shafts 9.9 of thetop carriage, bringing Lug Supports 7.15 and Lug Supports 9.5 of the topcarriage into the non-operational (vertical) position. Then comes onemore command, to move the lifter down to some distance below LugSupports 7.15 and Lug Supports 9.5, allowing enough space for them to beturned into the operational (horizontal) position. While the lifter ismoving downward,

Lug Supports 7.4 of the lifter place the platforms upon Lug Supports7.15, but one lever below, and the platform from the top carriage is nowinstalled at the top level of the section. Platform ** from the sectionlower level is placed upon Rollers 8.1 of the lower transporter. AfterLifter 7.13 arrives into the initial lower position, there is one morecommand, to switch on the lower transporter moving in the direction ofthe take-out point, i.e. in the direction of the ramp.

This is how a platform take-out is performed from the second level.

FIG. 7 c (n+1) shows post-operational steps required for the relocationof Platform * from Section “n+1” to Section “n”.

Step 8, where Platform * is placed upon Rollers 8.1, with the liftingframe in the lower initial position serves as the starting, initialposition for further steps.

-   -   Step 9. Lifting Frame 7*13 uses its Lug Supports 7*4 to raise        all the platforms from Lug Supports 7.*15 to a certain “h”        allowing enough space for turning Lug Supports 7*15 into the        non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 10. Lug Supports 7*15 of the section and Lug Supports 9.5        are turned into the non-operational position.    -   Step 11. Lifting frames 7/*13 use Lug Supports 7/*4 to raise the        platforms to some height above Stationary Supports 7.*15 of the        section and above Supports 9.5 of the top carriage.    -   Step 12. Lug Supports 7.*15 and Lug Supports 9.5 of the top        carriage are turned into the operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 13. Lifting Frames 7.*13 are lowered into the lower initial        position, meanwhile Lug Supports 7.*4 lower all the platforms of        the section upon Lug Supports 7.*15, but one level up, and the        top level platform is installed upon Lug Supports 9.5 of the top        carriage, and after Lifting Frames 7.*13 arrive into the bottom        level position, the top carriage drive is switched on, and the        top carriage, together with the platform it is loaded with, is        relocated to Section “n”.    -   After Platform (*) arrives into Section “n”, the take-out of        Platform (**) begins, starting from the initial position        described below:    -   (See FIG. 14-18)    -   Step 14. The initial position, with Platform (**) positioned at        the lower level of Section “n”.    -   Step 15. Lug Supports 7.4 of Lifting Pillars 7.13 are turned        into the non-operational (vertical) position,    -   Step 16. Lug Supports 7.4 are raised above Stationary Lug        Supports 7.15 to a distance allowing for turning Lug Supports        7.4 into the operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 17. Lug Supports 7.4 are brought back into their        operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 18. Pillars 7.13 use their Lug Supports 7.4 to raise the        platforms to a height allowing enough space for turning Lug        Supports 7.15 into their non-operational (vertical) position.    -   (see FIG. 19-23)    -   Step 19. Lug Supports 7.1′5 abd 9.5 are turned into their        non-operational (vertical) position.    -   Step 20. Pillars 7.13 use their Lug Supports to raise the        platforms into their upper position.    -   Step 21. Lug Supports 7.4 lower the platforms below Lug Supports        7.15 and 9.5, to a distance allowing enough space for bringing        them back into their operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 22. Lug Supports 7.15 and 9.5 are brought back into their        operational (horizontal) position.    -   Step 23. Pillars 7.13 are lowered into their lower initial        position, with the lug supports of these Pillars 7.4 lowering        the platform from Lug supports 9.5 of the top carriage to the        upper level of the section, and lowering the other platforms to        Lug Supports 7.15, but one level below. Platform (**) from the        lower level of Lug Support 7.4 of Stationary Pillar 7.13 is        installed upon Rollers 8.1 of the transporter, and then the        platform is sent to the take-out point.

If a platform from a higher level is demanded for take-out, all theoperations relocating the platform from one section to another arerepeated, until the platform demanded for the take-out is installed uponthe lower transporter.

After the transporter is switched on to move in the direction of thetake-out point, a command arrives to raise the ramp by bringing Cylinder4.1 into a horizontal position, and the platform is installed upon theramp. The next command sends the ramp into its tilted position designedfor car exit from the platform. At the same time a command is sent toCylinder 5.3, for rising the wheel from the recess in the platform tothe platform surface level. This makes the exit much easier, andrequires less engine rotations, which, in its turn, lowers airpollution. This ends the cycle of a car take-out, and after the car exitthe ramp lowers the platform into its horizontal position. When thetransporter is switched on, Ratches 5.9 of the platform hook Finger 6.1of the transporter, and the platform is relocated into the platformstorage section. See FIG. 6. When the platform arrives into the storagesection, a command is given to Cylinder 6.2, and Lifting Frame 6.4 usesits Lug Supports 6.3 to raise it until Feet 5.2 of the platform free LugSupports 6.7 of the stationary pillars and raise the stored platforms toa height allowing enough space to turn Lug Supports 6.7 into thenon-operational (vertical) position with he help of Cylinder 6.1. Thenthe lifting frame is raised into its upper position, a command followsto turn Lug Supports 6.7 into their operational position. After they arebrought into the operational position there comes a command to move thelifting frame down, to its lower, initial position. While this ishappening, the whole platform package is installed upon Lug Supports 6.7of Stationary Pillars 6.5.

1. We claim this is a method of, and a device for take-in, storage, andtake-out of containers or platforms, either containing goods or empty,utilizing multi-level vertical sections which are laid out as a line oras several parallel lines. The method DIFFERS in the following points:Lug supports of a lifting frame relocate a platform or all the platformsinstalled in the section levels upon lug supports of stationary pillars,both upward and downward, by successive intercepting the platforms withthe lug supports of the lifter and with the lug supports of stationarypillars, according to a preset program.
 2. We claim the method repeatsthe method described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in amulti-level section lug supports of the lifter, as well as of thestationary pillars, are turned simultaneously at all the levels, forwhich purpose the lug supports both of the lifter and of the stationarypillars are connected with individually driven shafts.
 3. We claim hemethod repeats the method described in 1, but DIFFERS in the followingpoints: in order to relocate platforms from one section into another, aplatform located at the lower level is to be relocated with the help ofthe Zero Level transporter, while a platform located at the top level isto be relocated with the help of a top carriage.
 4. We claim the devicerepeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: inorder to relocate a car on a platform in a rigidly fixed direction, acarriage is installed on a platform, equipped with rollers placed at anangle to each other. The front wheel is rigidly fixed between therollers, thus providing the car straight line motion of the car on theplatform.
 5. The device repeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS inthe following points: in order to fix the car after it is placed upon aplatform, there is a grid recess in which the front wheel of the car, orboth its front wheels, are placed.
 6. The device repeats the onedescribed in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: in order to providefor easier exit of the car from the ramp, the ramp is tilted in thedirection of the exit, and the car wheel is pushed out of the recesswith a special thrustor driven by the hydro-cylinder.
 7. The devicerepeats the one described in 6, but DIFFERS in the following points: toprovide for proper functioning of the low level transporter at themoment a car enters or exits the tilted ramp, the platform on the ramptakes out its ratches out of contact with the pulling finger of thetransporter.
 8. The device repeats the one described in 3, but DIFFERSin the following points: In order to save the time of the top carriagerelocation, there can be more than one top carriage.
 9. The devicerepeats the one described in 1, but DIFFERS in the following points: inorder to save time for a platform take-in or take-out, for installingthe platform on the ramp or to remove it from the ramp, at least one ofthe sections should be used for platform storage only.